Socialists and trade unionists have been shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Bob Crow at the age of 52

Bob Crow has died, the RMT has confirmed.

A statement from the union said:  ”It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our general secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.

‘The union’s offices will be closed for the rest of the day and the union will make further announcements in due course. The media have been asked to respect the privacy of Bob’s friends and family at this difficult and distressing time.’

Former RMT president Alex Gordon said: “Our friend and comrade Bob Crow has died aged 52. He showed the leadership that workers need to fight. Thanks Bob. Condolences to his family.”

Bob Crow was elected general secretary of the RMT in 2002. He was 52. Reports suggest he died of a heart attack.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This is shocking news. Bob was an outstanding trade unionist, who tirelessly fought for his members, his industry and the wider trade union movement.

“He was always a good friend and comrade to me. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with his family and the RMT at this difficult time.”

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Bob’s passing is very sad news and the thoughts of firefighters will be with his family. Bob was a good friend to me personally and to the Fire Brigades Union as a whole. He was a strong leader for the labour movement and he’ll be sorely missed by those who knew him.”

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes tweeted: “Devastated to hear of Bob Crow’s untimely death. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the members of our sister union. RIP comrade!”

A statement from the TSSA said: “Tragic to hear of Bob Crow’s death. A great trade unionist. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and those he worked so hard to represent. He fought for his members with every fibre of his being. All rail workers are safer and more fairly treated due to his efforts. RIP.”

A statement from ASLEF said: “The death of Bob Crow is a great loss to his family, the industry and the movement. A devastating blow for all workers.”

NUT general secretary Christine Blower said: “Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and RMT members.”

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Bob Crow was the greatest trade union leader of his generation.”

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “He was a decent, hard-working man who has a friend to our members.”

A statement from Unite said: “Unite extends its deepest sympathies to Bob Crow’s family and all at the RMT and its members – we stand with you.”

GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: “It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that we learned of Bob’s death. The lost for members of the RMT is immeasurable. They have lost their champion.

“The loss of to the trade union movement and to the cause of advancing the living standards of working people across the globe is devastating. Even people who didn’t like what he did agreed he did it very well. Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and the RMT. Bob’s strength, personal integrity and straight forward speaking won many battles for his members. He took his job very seriously and never stopped working. A giant of the labour movement. He is irreplaceable.”

A statement from PCS said Bob Crow was a “towering force in the trade union movement”. The union paid tribute to Bob as a tireless fighter for RMT members and working class people, who fearlessly refused to be dictated to by politicians and the media.

The RMT grew under his leadership and is now rightly recognised as one of the country’s most effective trade unions.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka, who sat on the TUC general council with Bob and shared many platforms, said: “We are all absolutely devastated by the news and send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

“Bob was a tireless fighter for RMT members and working class people and a towering force in the trade union movement.

“Bob was a great friend of PCS and never wavered in his support for us. Today we have lost a friend, a comrade and the greatest union leader of his generation.”

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: “We are shocked to hear the news that Bob passed away this morning and our thoughts are with his family. Bob was a passionate advocate for his members and he made a memorable contribution to our movement. He was a larger than life character who will be very much missed.”

You can see a UnionNews interview with Bob Crow here.

From Union News